Tudor named title sponsor of United SportsCar

AP , Associated Press

Sep. 12, 20136:50 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) — The International Motor Sports Association announced Tudor as the title sponsor of United SportsCar Championship.

The Swiss watch manufacturer signed a five-year deal that begins when the merged Grand-Am Series and American Le Mans Series launch at next January's 24 Hours of Daytona. Tudor is the lone subsidiary of Rolex.

The Tudor announcement comes on the heels of IMSA's recent deal with Continental Tire to become the exclusive tire supplier for three of its four United SportsCar Championship classes beginning in 2014.

Last month, IMSA also announced a five-year multimedia rights deal with FOX Sports.

The 2014 United SportsCar Championship schedule is expected to be announced in the near future. Series officials expect a 10- to 12-race calendar in its debut season.